You love your RV but want to take your Jeep Wrangler with you for better mobility at your vacation spot.
It’s a common need people face, and this is where tow bars come into play.
Thanks to their durability and taking up small storage space, tow bars are an excellent choice for people wanting to tow their Jeep Wrangler.
Comparison of the Best Jeep Wrangler Tow Bars
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What is a Tow Bar?
A tow bar is a tool that hooks onto the front of a vehicle. Another vehicle, such as an RV, is then able to tow that vehicle. The purpose of tow bars is to transport recreational vehicles, trailers, and vehicles that have broken down.
How Does a Tow Bar Work?
Tow bars have an “A” shape. The two wide points secure to the underside of the front of the towed vehicle, and the single, narrow point attaches to the RV hitch. Tow bars pivot with curves in the road, offering smooth transportation of the towed vehicle.
How to Choose a Tow Bar
When choosing a tow bar, you should consider the tow bar style, hitch, and weight class. Let’s take a closer look at each.
Tow Bar Styles
There are four main types of tow bars: horizontal hitch, rear step, flat tongue, and swan neck.
The horizontal hitch style is ideal for carrying heavier loads. You can choose from a 40mm or 50mm hitch tongue, which are for medium-sized and heavy loads, respectively.
Rear step tow bars are for vehicles with four-wheel drive. They have higher ground clearance, making them a good fit for off-roading.
Flat tongues are for lightweight cars. They have a removable tow ball.
Finally, Swan neck tow bars are primarily European. The tow ball is typically a permanent fixture of the towbar.
Hitch
It’s critical to ensure the hitch on your vehicle is compatible with your tow bar. There are three primary hitch types: 50mm tow ball, articulating, and weight distribution.
50mm tow ball hitches are the most common variety, and most tow bars come with them. These hitches are suitable for various standard towing needs including how to flat tow a jeep wrangler.
Articulating hitches are ideal for off-roading and steep inclines since they allow for more movement.
As its name implies, a weight-distribution hitch spreads weight across two vehicles so that the towing vehicle isn’t dragged down by the heavier vehicle it’s carrying.
Weight Class
When picking a tow bar, it’s essential to consider how much weight you’ll be towing. There are three tow bar weight class categories: light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty.
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Review of the Best Jeep Wrangler Tow Bars
Now, we’ll take a look at the best tow bars for jeep wranglers, including pros and cons, feedback from recent buyers, and why each of these products stand out to us.
Best Overall
Blue Ox BX7420
Specifications
Receiver Size: 2 in.
Towing Capacity: 10,000 lbs
Warranty: 3-year Limited
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What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers rave about how hassle-free it is to hook up and disconnect the Blue Ox BX7420 tow bar from their Jeep Wranglers. They love its well-engineered design, smooth ride, and superior turning radius. It’s a heavier product than some, but it makes up for this thanks to its five-figure towing capacity.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Blue Ox’s BX7420 has a whopping 10,000-pound towing capacity, making it an excellent value. Its hardy structure is built of steel and finished with premium metallic paint.
The BX7420 tow bar is ideal for Jeep Wranglers because it has an excellent turning radius. It creates a gap between your vehicle and the towed vehicle when making tight turns. It also offers smooth driving on bumpy roads.
Patented non-binding latches and pressure release mean that you’ll be able to release the tow bar with ease regardless of where you park, including on inclines.
Bottom Line
The Blue Ox BX7420 is a great tow bar for Jeep Wrangler owners who will be traversing over bumpy terrain and tight spaces. It’s a durable product with a stunning amount of towing capacity while still being easy to connect and disconnect.
Pros
10,000-pound towing capacity
Reduces impact on bumpy roads
Made from steel and coated with metallic paint for durability
Patented non-binding latches for ease of disconnecting regardless of the terrain
Outstanding turning radius to protect the towed vehicle away from the towing vehicle
Cons
The rubber boot isn’t too snug
On the heavy side, at 45 pounds
Best Blue Ox Tow Bar For Jeep Wrangler
Blue Ox BX7365 Alpha 6
Specifications
Receiver Size: 2 in.
Towing Capacity: 6,500 lbs
Warranty: 3-year Limited
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What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers love how easy it is to use the Blue Ox BX7365 Alpha tow bar. Connecting and disconnecting it is quick, and people feel confident with its durability.
The locking handles work great on flat surfaces, but it might be difficult to release the tow bar if parked on a hill.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The mighty Blue Ox BX7365 Alpha packs a punch for its 35-pound weight. It can tow an impressive 6,500 pounds and has safety cables that withstand 10,000 pounds.
Between its lightweight design and self-aligning feature, hooking this tow bar up to your Jeep Wrangler is a breeze. It comes with hook-up pins and a locking handle that easily releases the bar under most circumstances.
You’ll be able to drive confident knowing that your Blue Ox BX7365 Alpha has a triple lug and steel body. Rubber boots ensure a long life for your tow bar, as they protect this product from wear.
Bottom Line
The Blue Ox BX7365 Alpha is a well-rounded tow bar suitable for Jeep Wranglers. It has a lightweight design, durable material, and an impressive 6,500-pound carrying capacity. As long as you don’t park on a slope, releasing this tow bar is easy.
Pros
Rubber boots keep out dirt and prevent wear
Steel body and triple lug offer excellent towing force
Equipped with safety cables with a 10,000-pound capacity
Locking handles for smooth release and ease of installation
Lightweight at 35 pounds with a 6,500-pound carrying capacity
Cons
Doesn’t come with power cords
Locking handles can bind if parked on a slope
Best Rv Tow Bar For Jeep Wrangler
CURT 19745
Specifications
Receiver Size: 2 in.
Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
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What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers appreciate the CURT 19745 tow bar for its affordability as an RV tow bar. Its adjustable arms allow users to hook up their Jeep Wrangler and easily swap it out with another vehicle. The hitch section is known to shift at times, so it’s an ideal tow bar for use on highways.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The CURT 19745 offers flexibility to attach your Jeep Wrangler to your RV, thanks to expandable arms. The tow bar width can flex between 26 and 41 inches, depending on your needs.
It can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Flexible installation means you can either bolt or weld the tow bar to your Jeep Wrangler.
Although it doesn’t come with safety chains, CURT magnetic towing lights improve driving safety. The CURT 19745 comprises a corrosion-resistant black powder coat finish to aid longevity.
Bottom Line
The CURT 19745 is an economical RV tow bar for lighter weight towing. It’s versatile since it has adjustable arms, making it easy to swap between towing different vehicles. Magnetic tow lights enhance safety on the road.
Pros
Comes with CURT magnetic towing lights
A classic tow bar model for RV dinghy towing
Option to bolt or weld the tow bar to your vehicle
Durable black powder coat finish that prevents corrosion
Adjustable arms from 25 to 41-inches to fit many different vehicles
Cons
Doesn’t include safety chains
Hitch sections may shift during turns
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Best Jeep JK Tow Bar
Roadmaster 520 Falcon
Specifications
Receiver Size: 2 in.
Towing Capacity: 6,000 lbs
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
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What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers are pleased with the rigidity that the Roadmaster 520 Falcon offers, thanks to a steel crossbar. Despite its weight, self-lubricating nylon bushings eliminate friction for a smooth trip. It holds up well against rust under rain and salty conditions because of a powder-coated finish.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Roadmaster 520 Falcon is a powerful tow bar for Jeep Wranglers if you’ll be driving in challenging weather conditions. A powder coating finish withstands salt spray and weather that can put a toll on the average tow bar.
It has a 6,000-pound towing capacity and weighs in at a stunning 52 pounds. However, its weight minimizes bumps and offers excellent stability, with the help of a full-length steel crossbar.
Gone are the days when you’ll have to get your Jeep Wrangler perfectly aligned to tow since they claim to have the largest hook-up radius in the industry.
Bottom Line
If you’ll be towing your Jeep Wrangler in rough weather or road conditions, the Roadmaster 520 Falcon offers excellent stability and durability. Self-lubricating nylon brushes reduce friction, and a large hook-up radius ensures a smooth and hassle-free tow.
Pros
Minimal shakiness and good stability
Excels in durability with powder-coated finish
Superior support and safety with a full-length steel crossbar
No friction between arms thanks to self-lubricating nylon bushings
Large hook-up radius so you don’t have to line up your vehicle perfectly
Cons
Weighs 50 pounds
Not ideal for standard urban roads
Best Jeep TJ Tow Bar
Reese Towpower 7014200
Specifications
Receiver Size: 2 in.
Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
Warranty: Lifetime
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What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers who enjoy working on their vehicles as the Reese Towpower 7014200 comes with a universal bracket. It breaks down well for easy storage, and the steel material feels durable.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Reese Towpower 7014200 is a superb option for people looking for a simple, high-quality tow bar without a lot of extra features. It has a 5,000-pound towing capacity and a 2-inch ball coupler that comes with a pin and clip.
Universal brackets ensure your Jeep Wrangler will hook up to this product with ease. At only 32 pounds, it’s one of the lightest tow bars on the market.
Class III steel construction will keep the Reese Towpower 7014200 operating like brand new for years after your purchase.
Bottom Line
The Reese Towpower 7014200 is a simple but effective tow bar for Jeep Wranglers. It may require some extra parts and installation labor, so it’s ideal for people who enjoy working on their cars.
Pros
Lighter weight tow bar at 32 pounds
Class III tow bar with steel construction
Equipped with a 2″ ball coupler, pin, and clip
Breaks down and stores well in small spaces
Includes a set of universal brackets for larger vehicles like SUVs
Cons
You may need a base plate
No U-bolts for safety chains
Smittybilt 87450
Specifications
Receiver Size: 2 in.
Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
Warranty: Limited
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What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers love the Smittybilt 87450 tow bar for their Jeep Wranglers because of its smooth ride and good track. It’s one of the sturdiest, most economical options on the market. Users recommend changing the bolts from grade 5 to grade 8, which is cheap and easy to do.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Smittybilt 87450 tow bar is an excellent option if you’re looking for good features at a fair price. Since it has a 5,000-pound carrying capacity, it’ll have no trouble towing your Jeep Wrangler, even if you have the heaviest model. However, you won’t be able to tow anything much heavier than it.
A 2″ coupler makes this product compatible with various vehicles. It excels in its offerings of included accessories. Mounting brackets and two safety chains are among them.
Versatility and an all in one package at a fair price are what make the Smittybilt 87450 an attractive tow bar for standard towing needs.
Bottom Line
Since Jeep Wranglers weigh in under 5,000 pounds, the Smittybilt 87450 tow bar is a great value. It’s lightweight, equipped with many accessories, and compatible with many vehicles thanks to an adjustable ball mount.
Pros
Excellent features and accessories for a fair price
Comes with mounting brackets and safety chains
Includes D-ring, universal, and lateral strut brackets
Only 32 pounds, making it easy to transfer and store
Adjustable 2″ ball mount that’s compatible with various vehicles
Cons
5,000-pound carrying capacity
Needs stronger bolts than grade 5
NSA RV Products RB-9025
Specifications
Receiver Size: 2 in.
Towing Capacity: 8,000 lbs
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
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What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers appreciate the RB-9025’s durable and attractive design. They like its lightweight feel and how easy it is to hook up even if the tow bar doesn’t line up.
Because of its large towing capacity, buyers love having peace of mind that the RB-9025 can easily handle their Jeep Wrangler.
Why it Stands Out to Us
With an 8,000-pound towing capacity, the RB-9025 won’t have any issues towing your Jeep Wrangler. It weighs in at an impressive 30 pounds, thanks to its billet aluminum material.
If you have trouble lining up the tow bar, this is a great product for you. It features self-locking arms and a non-binding clevis, meaning that hook up is easy even if the vehicles don’t line up well.
Aluminum makes the RB-9025 durable, but a powder-coated finish and rubber sleeves over the arm extension improves longevity and keeps the tow bar free of binds.
Bottom Line
The RB-9025 is one of the best tow bars on the market for combining a lightweight design and large towing capacity. Although it doesn’t come with a mounting clevis or ReadyBrake technology, it excels in features that make connecting and disconnecting easy.
Pros
Complimentary safety cables come with your purchase
An 8,000-pound capacity that can handle towing any truck
Non-binding clevis for ease of connection and disconnection
Only 30 pounds thanks to lightweight billet aluminum material
Compatible with the most popular baseplates: Roadmaster, Demco, and Blue Ox
Cons
Doesn’t come with a mounting clevis
ReadyBrake technology is only in the Elite model
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Towing with Tow Bar Laws
Getting your Jeep Wrangler hooked up to a tow bar is exciting, but before you hit the road, it’s critical to make sure you’ll be abiding by the law.
Every state has its own towing requirements. So, should check the motor vehicle laws of where you live. In the meantime, three laws are nearly universal across the U.S. They include:
- Up-to-date license plates on both vehicles.
- Visible tail lights on the RV or tail lights that hook up to your towed vehicle.
- Safety chains so your vehicle won’t roll away if there’s an issue with the hitch.
Some states get even more specific with their laws. They may require you to have breakaway or auxiliary brakes. In the case of California, they require reflectors and license plate lights.
Tow Bar vs Tow Dolly – Comparison Overview
You may have heard the terms tow bar and tow dolly used interchangeably. It’s a common mistake, and we’ll show you why.
Tow Bar
A tow bar is a device that attaches to both the towing vehicle and the dinghy vehicle. Tow bars are small and easier to store compared to tow dollies.
Tow Dolly
A tow dolly is composed of three main parts: an axel, tongue, and two wheels. They’re more versatile to use on a variety of front and four-wheel-drive vehicles. However, they’re heavy, weighing between 500 – 1500 pounds.
How to Tow a Jeep Wrangler with a Tow Bar
We hope by now you have a tow bar in mind for your Jeep Wrangler. But you might be wondering how to install it. In this section, we’ll walk you through the basics.
1. Find a level surface. Both your Jeep Wrangler and RV should be on a level surface to make hooking up the tow bar as easy as possible.
2. Measure the hitch and base plate heights to ensure there’s no more than a 3-inch difference. If this is the case, you’ll need to purchase a hitch adapter.
3. Secure the tow bar shank to the receiver of your RV hitch, inserting a pin and clip. Push the tow bar arms aside.
4. Park your Jeep Wrangler as close to the tow bar as possible, making sure your jeep and RV are parallel with each other. Put the emergency brake on your jeep.
5. Move the tow arms to the attachment tabs of your jeep, securing them with linchpins.
6. Set your jeep transmission for towing and unlock its steering wheel. Most likely, you’ll need to tow it in neutral.
7. Drive your RV forward slowly, stopping as soon as the latches on the tow bar arms engage. Check that the latches have locked.
8. Crisscross the safety cables once beneath the tow bar and secure the safety loops to the base plate on your jeep.
9. Connect your RV’s towing lights to your jeep.
Conclusion
Tow bars are a compact tool for taking your Jeep Wrangler on RV trips.
Whether you’ll be towing a jeep packed full of heavy equipment, traveling in challenging weather conditions, or driving around tight curves, the tow bars on this list are bound to have features that’ll serve your needs. You must also understand how much weight a Jeep Wrangler can tow before you start towing!
Quick Summary – Best Jeep Wrangler Tow Bars
Before you get too far, here’s a quick summary of the best Jeep Wrangler tow bars:
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People Also Ask
It’s likely you still have some questions about tow bars. So, we’ll answer some common questions people have when looking for a tow bar for their vehicle.
Tow bars vary greatly in their pricing depending on quality, the number of features, and accessories. The most economical tow bars start at around $30. Mid-range tow bars fall in the low hundreds range, with heavy-duty models ranging anywhere from $400 to more than $2,000.
All tow bars are not the same. Before buying your tow bar, you must know the weight of the vehicle you’ll be towing and the hitch to ensure you purchase the correct tow bar. Some tow bars are known for a great turning radius, while others have reputations for holding up well in harsh weather conditions.
A tow bar’s weight typically ranges from just over 30 pounds to more than 50 pounds. In many cases, a tow bar’s weight correlates with the amount of weight it can tow.
Once a tow bar is installed, and assuming you’re working on a flat surface, it isn’t too hard to hook up a tow bar. You should always check your work when you’ve finished, ensuring the locks are in place and the brake lights are working.
Who Worked on This?
Brian
Editor
A master of organization, Brian helps keep everything running smoothly for Your Jeep Guide.
No Jeep yet but we’re working on that!
Cory
Writer
Cory loves his XJ and frequently thrashes it through the hills. He’s constantly fixing something.
“What fenders?”
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